Merge and Split PDFs: Preserve Bookmarks & Outlines

Effortlessly combine multiple PDF files and automatically use filenames as new bookmarks. You can also split PDFs by flexible page ranges (e.g., [6-18, 20, 30-45]) while retaining the original outlines and links. The tool supports drag-and-drop reordering, auto-pagination, and optional bookmark removal to keep your documents organized.

Try these now PDFs:

Local Run

Merge and Split PDFs: The Ultimate Tool for Bookmark Management & Privacy

Experience the safest and most granular way to manage your PDF documents. Our tool allows you to effortlessly combine multiple PDF files or split them by custom page ranges while maintaining full control over your document's structure.

Unlike traditional online converters, your files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser, guaranteeing 100% privacy and security. No logins, no registrations, and absolutely no uploading required.

Visualizing the Workflow

See how easily you can manipulate your document structure below:

PDF A PDF B Merged

Concept: Combining files while generating automatic bookmarks from filenames.

100% Offline Mode: Files are processed locally via WebAssembly.

Core Features & Bookmark Strategies

The power of this tool lies in its "Bookmark Settings." When merging or splitting PDFs, losing your navigation links (outlines) is a common frustration. Our tool solves this with four distinct logic modes designed for professional document management.

1. Smart "File Name" Mode (Organizational Master)

As seen in the interface, selecting the File name tab transforms your merging process. The tool takes the filename of each uploaded PDF (e.g., "try_pdf_2", "try_pdf_3") and converts it into a top-level bookmark.

  • Benefit: Creates a clean Table of Contents automatically.
  • Customization: You can click the pencil icon next to any file in the list to rename the bookmark before processing.
  • Result: Navigate through your massive merged document by jumping to the start of each original file instantly.

2. "Merge" Mode (Preserve Everything)

Choose the Merge tab to retain the internal structure of your documents.
Logic: # Merge all existing bookmarks from the PDF files. # Only retain bookmarks for valid pages.
This mode is essential when you are combining academic papers, legal contracts, or technical manuals that already possess a complex outline. The tool intelligently filters out bookmarks pointing to pages you might have deleted during the splitting process, ensuring no broken links.

3. "Default" Mode (Primary Focus)

The Default setting is ideal for appendices or attachments.
Logic: # Only keep the bookmarks from the first PDF.
Use this when you have a main report (the first file) and you are appending supporting documents (subsequent files) but want to keep the navigation focused solely on the main report's outline.

4. "Delete" Mode (Clean Slate)

Sometimes, you need to strip metadata. The Delete tab ensures a flat document.
Logic: # Remove all bookmarks.
This creates a simplified PDF with no sidebar navigation, perfect for printing or final distribution where internal links are unnecessary.

Advanced Splitting & Page Ranges

Precision is key. You aren't limited to just splitting a file into individual pages. Our custom range selector supports complex syntax to get exactly what you need.

  • Range Syntax: Enter values like 2-6 to extract a specific chapter.
  • Complex Combinations: Use patterns like 6-18, 20, 30-45 to pick distinct sections and single pages in one go.
  • Drag-and-Drop Reordering: Before you hit "Start," simply drag your files to rearrange the sequence. The final PDF follows your exact visual order.

Why Choose Browser-Based Processing?

In an era of data breaches, uploading sensitive financial, medical, or legal documents to a remote server is risky.

  • Zero Latency: Because there is no upload or download phase, large files (100MB+) process instantly based on your computer's speed.
  • Data Sovereignty: Your data technically never exists on the internet. It exists only in your RAM while the tab is open.
  • Accessibility: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks directly via Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (QA)

Q: Is it really free? Do I need to register?

A: Yes, it is completely free. There are no paywalls, no "credits," and absolutely no registration or login required. We believe in open, accessible tools.

Q: What happens to my bookmarks if I split a PDF?

A: If you use the "Merge" bookmark setting, the tool attempts to keep bookmarks that point to the pages you have kept. If a bookmark points to a page you removed (e.g., page 5 is deleted), that bookmark is automatically removed to prevent errors.

Q: Can I rename the bookmarks before merging?

A: Yes! In "File name" mode, you can edit the text in the input fields next to each file (as shown in the screenshots under "Bookmark settings"). Whatever you type there becomes the bookmark title in the final PDF.

Q: Is there a file size limit?

A: Since files are processed locally, the limit depends on your device's memory (RAM) rather than an arbitrary server limit. Most modern computers can handle hundreds of megabytes easily.

Q: Does this tool work on mobile devices?

A: Yes, as long as your mobile browser supports modern JavaScript features, you can merge and split PDFs on tablets and smartphones without installing an app.

Ready to organize your documents? Drag your PDFs into the box above, set your preferred bookmark strategy, and click Start to process your files securely in seconds.